Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you're a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With nine state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there's no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana. Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks, at a Louisiana state park.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's state museums. We've got countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place. These are just a few of the #OnlyLouisiana events happening around the state this weekend. For a full list of this weekend's events, click here!
Louisiana Food & Wine Festival
Lake Charles
September 18-21
Forces of culinary excellence unite at the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival. This all-inclusive four-day event showcases hundreds of wines, beers and spirits; more than 40 acclaimed restaurants; and the Southeast’s hottest established and burgeoning chefs. Enjoy master classes, a grand tasting, a jazz brunch and more.
Round out your visit to Lake Charles with a nature hike, or spot native plants and wildlife on the estuaries of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Once the sun sets, try your luck at one of the area’s famed casinos.
Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival
Natchitoches
September 19-20
Earthy thyme, spicy cloves, crisp pastry dough — not unlike an empanada, meat pies are a savory fried pastry filled with spiced beef and eaten by hand. You’ll find several delicious iterations at the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, a celebration of a traditional Central Louisiana dish. Enjoy live music and a Brew Fest, too.
While you’re in town, explore locations from the Southern cult classic film, Steel Magnolias. The do-it-yourself route highlights 17 notable stops from the movie, including Steel Magnolia House, now a bed-and-breakfast.
Plan your trip to Natchitoches.
La Veillée Cocktail Time at Wildcat Brothers
September 20
Lafayette
Looking for a dose of Cajun culture? Sip cocktails at Lafayette-based rum distillery Wildcat Brothers, where a veillée — the Cajun French word for social gathering — takes place. Spend time with friends, new and old, around the table as you swap stories, sing and expand your palate. This event is not ticketed, but cocktails are available for purchase.
Make time to explore the area’s rich natural beauty, too. Located 10 minutes from downtown Lafayette is Acadiana Park Campground, which offers 6 miles of hiking trails and 150 acres of forest to camp within.
Lagniappe Saturday at Landry Vineyards
September 20
West Monroe
Sip crimson Cabernet while listening to the Southern sounds of musician Dave Gore at Landry Vineyards. Order wine by the glass or by the bottle, or purchase a wine tasting or vineyard tour. Hungry? Pizza and light bites will be available, though guests are welcome to bring food. Be sure to pack your favorite lawn chair or picnic blanket to kick back on, too.
Before the show, thrift for treasures along West Monroe's famous Antique Alley, which boasts more than 40 antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores.
Thibodaux on Tap
September 20
Thibodaux
Drink up at Thibodaux on Tap! Samples are plenty, from barley-bubbling IPAs to subtle blonde brews. Nosh on Southern-inspired bites from local food vendors like Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse and The Ruckus Food Truck, and groove to jams from ReauxShambo.
Make a weekend of the bayou’s beauty. Explore the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where you can learn about the history and culture of Acadian people through films and exhibits.
Plan your trip to Lafourche Parish.
Westbank Heritage Festival
September 20-21
Westwego
Witness some of Louisiana’s best gospel, soul and R&B performers at the Westbank Heritage Festival. This two-day event highlights live music, art and local cuisine (think: snoballs and andouille sausage). Make time to stop by the gospel tent, a longstanding Black music tradition inspired by New Orleans’s Jazz & Heritage Festival.
After the thrill of the festival, wind down at Bayou Segnette State Park, which beautifully highlights Louisiana's swamps and marshlands. Coast through the water by kayak, where you can spot hardwood cypress-tupelo trees, nutria and catfish.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there's always something to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
